District 99 foundation to pit local pizza places in 'Pizza Wars' fundraiser Thursday

DOWNERS GROVE – Pizza lovers will have a chance to sample several of the area's best slices and pick their favorite in an effort to help local schools Jan. 16 at the first-ever "Pizza Wars."

At the event, eight local pizza makers will come together under one roof to support the District 99 Education Foundation, which benefits the students of North High School and South High School in Downers Grove.

After sampling the various pizzas, attendees will vote for their favorite. The winner will receive the honor and bragging rights of having the “Best Pizza in District 99."

“We’ve borrowed the concept of a pizza tasting from our neighbors in Niles," District 99 Education Foundation President Eric Olson said in a news release. "Its education foundation has hosted a similar event for three years now, and it has grown tremendously in popularity.

"It’s a great way for families to come out and try something new, while at the same time support both businesses and students in our community.”

The event will be in the South High School cafeteria, 1436 Norfolk St., Downers Grove.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The tasting will end at 7:15 p.m., with the winner announced at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance. For tickets email president@d99ef.org. Tickets are $12 at the door. All proceeds benefit the foundation.

The District 99 Education Foundation provides financial assistance for District 99 students and staff in support of curriculum and technologies that fall outside of traditional public funding.

In addition to administering scholarships, the foundation also accepts grant requests from teachers in District 99 who want to make the classroom environment more challenging to students but lack the necessary resources. It was founded in 1994 as a way for alumni, parents, educators and the community to support the continued excellence of educational curriculum provided to students and faculty.

To learn more about the foundation, an independent, non-profit organization, or to make a donation, visit www.d99ef.org.